Mercy Me Movie: How Dennis Quaid’s Faith Guides His Movie Roles

Dennis Quaid recently talked about being in Christian movies like upcoming I Can Only Imagine

Dennis Quaid recently commented on the new faith-based movie I Can Only Imagine in which he plays an abusive father. He stars in the film which is based on MercyMe’s song “I Can Only Imagine.” Quaid, a Christian raised in the Baptist church, felt drawn to the film. He said it hit him so profoundly that he wanted to be a part of it.

Dennis Quaid, who plays the role of Arthur Millard in the soon to be released "I Can Only Imagine" film talks about his own faith journey. Clearly God is at work in his life! “I Can Only Imagine” releases nationwide this month on March 16. Don’t miss it! pic.twitter.com/Kk5L7b36yA

MercyMe produced “I Can Only Imagine”, a song that topped Christian, country and mainstream charts all over. The song has over one million downloads and is one of the most popular Christian songs of all time.

About “I Can Only Imagine”

This Christian film is based on the life of Bart Millard, MercyMe’s frontman. It captures the relationship between him, played by J. Michael Finley, and his abusive father Arthur Millard, played by Dennis Quaid. Bart Millard’s strained relationship with his father and his journey in faith inspired the hit song, which then inspired the movie.

Quaid has acted in a number of Christian films such as Soul Surfer. In I Can Only Imagine, he plays a father who is abusive to his son physically, emotionally, and verbally. Quaid recently appeared on the Today show to speak about his role in the new film. He says that he was moved by the film because of the element of redemption in it.

During a Dallas visit, Quaid spoke about his character in the film. He commented that he doesn’t see Arthur Milliard as a bad guy, but as a product of his own circumstances as he grew up. He added that it was a very true and powerful story and his role, a difficult one to play.